B3-CONTROLS AND PPE Flashcards
one of the circumstances in which health surveillance is considered appropriate “is where the exposure of the
employee to a substance hazardous to health is such that an
identifiable disease or adverse health effect can be related to the exposure”.
Identify an example of an exposure to hazardous substance which could meet this requirement AND state the nature of the health surveillance to be undertaken in this case. (2)
Example = any toxic substance / other chemical that could enter system via inhalation / ingestion / skin absorption (organic solvents; mercury compounds; carbon monoxide etc): HS = biological
monitoring by means of analysis of samples of blood / urine / exhaled breath.
Or dust / fume / vapour eg isocyanates / flour dust etc: HS = lung function testing (spirometry) ;
Or dyes, detergents, bleaches, solvents, cement, chromium compounds etc which can cause dermatitis: HS = questionnaire, skin inspection
Comment: Not asbestos or lead (not included in COSHH Regs - see Q)
(b) Outline the procedures and facilities that an organisation should put in place if they are to carry out
health surveillance in accordance with the COSHH regulations. (8)
Facilities = room / privacy / toilets / washing / storage / adequate space
Procedures required for:
keeping HS and other relevant medical records;
appointing doctors qualified
as occupational physicians to act as appointed doctors when carrying out medical surveillance (Schedule 6 COSHH);
appointing occupational health nurses for other HS;
maintaining integrity of samples - avoiding cross- contamination etc;
informing / counselling / support where adverse results;
liaison with accredited bodies to carry out tests;
confidentiality and keeping records
A local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system is used to reduce exposure of workers to dust in the workplace.
(a) Identify THREE visual inspection methods that could be used to give a simple qualitative
assessment of the effectiveness of the LEV system. (3)
Suitable methods included:
the use of equipment such as a Tyndall beam (dust lamp)
the use of smoke from pellets, tubes or generators
observations on the build of dust on surfaces in the workplace.
(b) Transport velocity is one of the quantitative measurements undertaken to assess the
performance of the LEV system.
(i) Outline why transport velocity is an important parameter to
measure when assessing the
effectiveness of the LEV system.
(2)
Transport velocity is an important parameter because an insufficient
transport velocity can result in dust particles settling in the duct and lead to a blockage of the duct.
As well as reducing the overall
efficiency of the LEV system, there is an increased fire or explosion
risk.
(b) Transport velocity is one of the quantitative measurements undertaken to assess the
performance of the LEV system.
(ii) Outline the methods that can be used to measure transport velocity in a LEV system. (5)
Methods that could be used to measure transport velocity include:
A thermal or hot-wire anemometer, which consists of an electrically heated wire exposed to the air stream (carrying the particles) through the duct. The speed of the air stream affects the rate at which the wire loses heat.
Typically, the speed/velocity is
determined by measuring the electrical current necessary to maintain the wire at a constant temperature.
A pitot-static tube (attached to a pressure gauge) detects airspeed
by placing a hollow tube into the air stream. As air jams into the end of the tube, it creates pressure.
By comparing the pressure inside the tube with the natural pressure of the air around the tube (the static pressure), you get an accurate measure of airspeed.
(c) Outline other factors that should be taken into account when selecting appropriate RPE.
(6)
Other factors include:
the nature of the dust or vapour involved
comfort factors such as the length of time that employees would need to wear the equipment and the type of work to be carried
out, taking into account its physical nature, the degree of
movement required and the restrictions of the working space
whether fit testing would be required, the ease with which the
equipment can be put on and the amount of training required
the manufacture of the equipment to an appropriate standard and its cost and durability
the ease of maintenance for example for cleaning and changing filters
its compatibility with other forms of personal protective equipment
the need to consult fully with the workforce on the selection of the
equipment.
A slightly corrosive solution is used as a treatment in part of a manufacturing process.
The solution is applied by hand brushing. Alternative methods of application have been found to be impracticable.
(a) Outline the factors that should be considered in the selection of PPE to adequately protect the skin and the eyes of those involved in the process. (10)
Factors to consider in the selection of PPE include:
- requirements of PPE regs - in particular:
- the nature of the task - spray / droplets - skin & eyes
- the nature of the hazard - slightly corrosive
- the types of PPE required for the task(s) - eye protection; face / visor; gloves / gauntlets; aprons / whole body
- the need for PPE to be fit for purpose in relation to the (corrosive) hazard - CE marking / manufactured to an approved design standard eg designed for chemical resistance / breakthrough
- the need for the PPE to be compatible with other PPE / RPE / clothing
- the need to provide a range of sizes
- the comfort of the user
- duration of use
- levels of exertion
- need for dexterity and manoeuvrability
- need to ensure PPE does not introduce additional risk - see above + allergies etc
(b) Outline the content of a training programme to help employees use the PPE correctly. (5)
Training should include: purpose of PPE - how it provides protection - and limitations;
how to use - put on / take off / dispose / inspect / maintain / store/ report defects / get replacements
(c) Identify a range of practical measures (other than training), that can be taken to encourage the use of the PPE and maintain its effectiveness. (5)
Use of PPE can be encouraged via:
- consultation / staff involvement in selection / user trials = acceptability
- making PPE readily available and accessible - ease of replacement
- providing a range of sizes
- PPE on personal issue rather than shared use
- use of posters / signs
- supervision and monitoring of useage - backed up by disciplinary action
Effectiveness can be maintained via:
- providing adequate facilities for cleaning and storing PPE
- keeping records of date of issue - hours of use etc
- ensuring regular inspection of PPE by a competent person
You have been sent a copy of a “local exhaust ventilation (LEV) examination and test report”
conducted by an external organisation.
(a) Outline the measurements that you would expect to have been taken as part of the examination and test of the LEV system. (4)
Measurements that should have been taken in examining and testing the LEV system should have included:
the face velocity across the hood or opening
the capture velocity; the duct velocity
the pressure drop across the filter or fan
the static pressure in the hood or duct and the fan/motor speed
the power consumption
(b) In addition to these measurements outline other information that should be contained in the report. (16)
An adequate LEV inspection report should include:
- a scale drawing / plan of the system
- details of the agents it is designed to control
- details of its general condition - visual examination - corrosion, cracks, modifications
- results of smoke tests / leak tests
• the technical specifications of hood, ducting, fans (type - axial flow or /centrifugal; power
rating) & filters
- details of the equipment used to carry out the inspection + calibration procedures
- measurements of static and dynamic pressures - pitot static tube; face velocities (m/s); capture velocities (m/s); flow volume rates (m3/s); pressure drop across the filter / system; power consumption
- reference to relevant legislative requirements - COSHH reg 9 - thorough test and examination at 14 monthly intervals
• details of the qualifications of the person(s) carrying out the inspection / compiling the
report
- an indication of whether the LEV system is performing to the required standard
- details of any repairs, improvements needed
Comment: Question does not ask for detailed descriptions of how the performance of an LEV system is measured or the equipment used. [See notes - Maintenance, examination and testing of LEV: Information required of an LEV system (HSG)]
You have been sent a copy of a ‘local exhaust ventilation (LEV) examination and test report’ conducted by an external
organisation.
(a) Outline the measurements that you would expect to have been taken as part of the examination and test of the LEV system. (4)
Measurements that should have been taken in examining and testing the LEV system should have included:
the face velocity across the hood or opening
the capture velocity; the duct velocity
the pressure drop across the filter or fan
the static pressure in the hood or duct and the fan/motor speed
the power consumption
(b) In addition to these measurements outline other
information that should be
contained in the report. (16)
The report should additionally contain information such as:
The name and signature of the person carrying out the examination together with evidence
of their competence.
The date the examination was carried out together with the date of the previous
examination and test so that an assessment can be made as to whether the interval
between them was appropriate in accordance with the requirements of the COSHH
Regulations.
The location and extent of the LEV system being examined.
The process and hazardous substance it is intended to control.
A diagram of the layout of the system with the test points marked should be attached as should also information on the system’s designed performance, its commissioned performance and that noted at the last test.
As for the current test and examination, the report should:
note the conditions which appertained at the time, either normal or special
state the methodologies and equipment used to measure the performance of the system
such as, for example, anemometers, manometers or pitot tubes. This will enable a decision to be made as to whether the methodologies used are in line with those set out in the relevant HSE Guidance.
Other matters which should be addressed in the report include:
the calibration of the measuring equipment
a record of the actual measurements and observations made
results of any air sampling relevant to the performance of the LEV system or emissions to
atmosphere
details of adjustments or minor repairs made to improve the effectiveness of the system
and any remaining repairs or alterations that are required to restore its performance and
whether advice has been given to the recipient of the report that the record should be maintained for a period of five years.
A welder undertakes work in
an open plan workshop.
Outline the factors to be considered when selecting suitable Respiratory Protective Equipment for this work.
(10)
Factors relating to the individual, task and substance that should be considered include:
the type, duration and frequency of the work and its position in the workplace
the fume control measures currently in place such as general or local exhaust ventilation
the health hazard category of the welding fume for example whether toxic or irritant
the level of protection (protection factor) required for each substance based on
considerations such as the amount of the substance, the volatility of the welding
consumables, the concentration and particle size and the relevant workplace exposure
limits (WELs)
the choice of the equipment in relation to the protection factor whether half face, full face
or forced air breathing apparatus
the choice of the correct filter type based on the determined protection factor
task related factors such as the work rate and wear time, the presence of humidity, the
need for mobility and communication and the amount of physical effort and degree of
movement required to carry out the task
the fit and comfort of the equipment taking into account facial hair and the need to wear
spectacles
the compatibility of the equipment with other personal protective equipment such as eye,
head or hearing protection
the heat resistant properties of the equipment
the battery life of specified types of equipment
the cost of the equipment and the amount of training and maintenance required for its
use
the manufacture of the equipment to recognised standards
any relevant medical conditions of the potential user such as heart disease, asthma or claustrophobia.
An airborne contaminant has a Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) of 10ppm, 8-hour time- weighted average (TWA).
Engineering controls
have been introduced but the airborne concentration of the contaminant in a workshop has been measured at 180ppm, 8-hour TWA.
The occupational hygienist has selected a piece of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) with an assigned protection factor (APF) of 20, which is to be worn temporarily by all employees in the contaminated area.
(a) Using the data above
outline how the hygienist
could have calculated the
APF AND outline whether the hygienist has made an appropriate selection. (4)
The concentration of contaminant in the air is 180ppm.
The WEL of 10ppm gives us the maximum concentration in the face piece that the employee should be exposed to.
So, the minimum protection required (MPR) can be calculated as
180 \ 10 = 18
which means the minimum APF of the RPE for this situation is 18
The chosen piece of equipment has an APF of 20, which would, in-fact, lead to an exposure within the face piece of
180 \ 20 = 9 ppm … lower than the WEL of 10ppm.
The chosen piece of equipment is therefore appropriate for use.
Note: A higher factor of safety could of course have been obtained by selecting respiratory protective equipment with an even higher APF.
A large manufacturer uses hydrochloric acid in a large open tank to remove rust from sheet steel.
This creates acid mist in the
immediate work area and the company has decided to install a local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system.
This system consists of an inlet,
ducting, air cleaner, air mover and exhaust.
(a) For EACH of the components listed above outline the design
features required for the LEV system to be effective. (10)
The hood would need to be of a suitable size to cover the tank and have a face velocity adequate to capture the acid mist.
The ducting, because of the acidic nature of the contaminant, would have to be corrosion resistant, be smooth with rounded bends, of size appropriate for the required transport velocity and provided with access for testing and
maintenance.
The air cleaner would probably be by means of a wet scrubber, possibly in combination with an alkali neutraliser, with appropriate means for disposing of
effluent.
The fan, either axial or centrifugal, would need to be corrosion resistant, of sufficient power to provide the necessary extraction velocity and be designed to
minimise noise generation.
The exhaust outlet should be located following consideration of all environmental implications including noise, should be corrosion resistant and
should be fitted with a weather cowl and deflector baffles to prevent the entry of
vermin.
(b) Explain the requirements of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 for inspection and testing of the LEV system. (3)
A periodic visual inspection of a local exhaust ventilation system
together with a thorough examination and test must be carried out by a competent person at least once in every period of fourteen months.
A record of the examinations must be kept available for at least five
years from the date on which they were carried out.
(c) The LEV system breaks down and will take a number of weeks to repair. In the meantime the employees will need to use respiratory protective equipment (RPE) to control their exposure to the acid mist.
Outline factors to be considered when selecting the RPE to protect the employees whilst engineers are repairing the LEV system. (7)
Factors to be considered in the selection of the equipment would be:
its type either full face or half mask
the protection factor required
the selection of the correct cartridges with respect to the acid
mist and the battery life of the chosen equipment.
Task related factors would also be important such as:
the degree of movement required by the wearer
their work rate
the compatibility of the respirators with other personal protective equipment such as eye protection
the comfort factor.
Cost factors would also have to be considered such as those involved in the maintenance and storage of the equipment and that which would be necessary to provide training for the user in fit testing for close fitting respirators.
A grounds maintenance contractor is selecting eye protection to wear during grass strimming.
(a) Describe the specific
features of the eye protection required for this task.
(7)
In carrying out the task described, the probability would be that impact might come from a variety of directions and as a consequence goggles or a face shield should be selected as eye protection.
They would need to:
have good mechanical and impact strength
be shatterproof with medium energy impact
be adjustable to allow appropriate fit and comfort
be compatible with other personal protective equipment such as hearing, head or respiratory protection.
Other possible features to be considered would be:
the optical class of the lenses
their resistance to misting and surface damage
the resistance of the frames to dusts.
Finally the protection should be CE marked and comply with a recognised standard.
(b) Outline the arrangements the grounds maintenance contractor should put in place when the selected eye protection is in use. (3)
Arrangements should be made for:
the provision of training in its use and its correct fitting with other equipment
the cleaning and storage of the equipment
reporting defects and providing replacements when these are seen to be necessary.
Additionally, measures should be taken to ensure that the protection is used at all times when grass strimming is being carried out with disciplinary action being
taken for non-use.
(a) Explain the meaning of the term “carcinogen”. (2)
A carcinogen is an agent that has the ability to produce malignant tumours (cancer) by attacking the human cell reproduction mechanism, causing changes in the cells, such as abnormal cell formation and/or uncontrollable growth
(b) Outline the role of Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) when deciding if exposure to a carcinogen is
“adequately controlled” for the purposes of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
Regulations 2002. (2)
Adequate control means bringing the exposure within the workplace exposure limit (WEL); assuming that a WEL exists. Exposure must be reduced to the lowest level reasonably practicable using methods outlined in the “principles of good practice” contained in Schedule A of the ACoP to COSHH 2002 and referred to in Regulation 7(7) of the Regulations.
(c) Under COSHH exposure to substances hazardous to health (including carcinogens) shall only be
treated as adequate if the “principles of good practice” are applied. Outline six of these principles. (6)
design and operate processes and activities so as to minimise the risk of emission, release and spread of substances hazardous to health
to take into account all relevant routes of exposure, that is, skin absorption and ingestion as well as inhalation when developing control measures
control exposure by measures that are proportionate to the health risk
choose the most effective and reliable control options which minimise the escape and spread of substances hazardous to health
where adequate control of exposure cannot be achieved by other means, provide — in combination with other control measures — suitable personal protective equipment
check and review regularly all elements of control measures for their continuing effectiveness
inform and train all employees on the hazards and risks from the substances they work with and the control measures developed to minimise risk
sensure that the introduction of control measures does not increase the overall risk to health and safety.
a) Explain the circumstances when it may be necessary to use RPE as a control measure to reduce exposure to a hazardous substance. (6)
Work activities may result in harmful substances contaminating the air in the
form of dust, mist, vapour, gas or fume. For example, when:
■ cutting a material such as stone or wood;
■ using a product containing volatile solvents;
■ handling a dusty powder;
■ welding stainless steel.
9 Workers may also need to work in areas where oxygen levels are or may
become low, for example:
■ confined spaces, such as a trench, silo or tank.
10 RPE is a particular type of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to
protect the wearer from breathing in harmful substances or from oxygen-deficient
atmospheres when other controls are either not possible or insufficient on their own.
(c) Outline other factors that the employer should consider when selecting RPE for use during this task. (10)
■ the individual wearer;
■ the tasks they are doing;
■ the environment in which they are working.
discuss consulting employees and safety representatives – involving the wearer in the choice will help you select the most appropriate RPE
For example, it is recommended that continuous wear time for tight-fitting (unpowered) RPE is less than an hour, after which the wearer should take a
break.
Otherwise, the RPE can become uncomfortable to wear, leading to
loosening or removal of the mask in the work area.
In these situations, where RPE
is required to be worn continuously for long periods, powered respirators or airline
BA, for example a loose-fitting facepiece such as a hood or helmet, are better
options.
Other common factors about the wearer you need to consider are:
■ Do they have facial hair or markings that could prevent a good seal between
the wearer’s face and the RPE?
■ Do they have any pre-existing medical conditions?
■ Do they wear spectacles or contact lenses?
It is important to know that some pre-existing medical conditions (examples include breathing disorders such as asthma, skin allergies, or even heart
problems) may restrict or prevent some workers wearing any RPE, or certain
types of RPE.
You will need to ensure that workers are fit to wear the selected and required RPE.
If unsure, you (the employer) should arrange for appropriate
medical assessment.
There are a number of factors you need to consider for the task, including:
■ work-rate;
■ wear-time;
■ vision requirements.
Other head-worn PPE can potentially interfere with RPE, preventing one or
more of the components from working correctly (eg eye protection, ear protection
and safety helmets
Where possible, choose equipment where the
different forms of protection required are combined (often referred to as integrated or combined PPE), eg eye, face, head and respiratory protection provided by a powered helmet respirator.
You also need to consider the workplace environment, for example temperature or humidity.
A facilities manager of a multi-occupancy office block built in the 1970s is concerned about the risks associated with asbestos in the building.
(a) Outline the steps the facilities manager should take to minimise the risks associated with any asbestos that may be present in the building. (12)
The facilities manager should:
accept responsibility as dutyholder in relation to CAR reg 4 “duty to manage asbestos”;
assume asbestos present (age of building);
carry out / arrange for an asbestos survey of the building by a
competent person to identify suspected “asbestos-containing materials” (ACMs);
carry out / arrange for
(intrusive / destructive) sampling as necessary;
survey / sampling to be conducted as per P402 or ABICS accredited);
draw up an asbestos management plan; maintain records in an asbestos
register;
keep records of type, location and condition of ACMs;
label asbestos / provide warning signs
at appropriate locations;
prioritise asbestos management – encapsulate / repair, remove;
review and update register periodically and after any significant maintenance activity / disturbance;
make register / information available to building occupants, contractors etc
(b) An occupant of one of the offices engages a contractor to fit a hand dryer in a toilet which involves drilling through some asbestos insulating board.
Outline the steps that should be taken by the
contractor to carry out this work in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. (8)
The contractor should:
review levels of competence for this task - provide training / information as necessary; consult
Asbestos Essentials (HSE website) before starting work;
recognise this is non-licensed non-notifiable
work;
restrict access to the area during the work - seal off area / lock doors / barriers / signs;
cover surface to be drilled with polythene sheeting taped in place;
use paste / foam at drill entry point to
contain dust and / or use cowl vacuum device on drill / shadow vacuum;
use hand drill rather than
power drill;
drill through paste / foam;
clean off paste with damp cloths; line / sleeve hole to prevent subsequent fibre release;
dispose of all waste as “asbestos waste” double bagged in UN type-approved red-lining asbestos bags - asbestos waste markings on outer;
clean area with Type H vacuum;
use appropriate PPE (eg FFP3 RPE;
type 5 disposable overalls; no laces in shoes)
A facilities manager of a multi-occupancy office block built in the 1970s is concerned about the risks
associated with asbestos in the building.
(a) Outline the steps the facilities manager should take to minimise the risks associated with any asbestos that may be present in the building. (12)
The facilities manager should:
accept responsibility as dutyholder in relation to CAR reg 4 “duty to manage asbestos”;
assume asbestos present (age of building);
carry out / arrange for an asbestos survey of the building by a competent person to identify suspected “asbestos-containing materials” (ACMs);
carry out / arrange for (intrusive / destructive) sampling as necessary;
survey / sampling to be conducted as per P402 or ABICS accredited);
draw up an asbestos management plan;
maintain records an asbestos register;
keep records of type, location and condition of ACMs;
label asbestos / provide warning signs at
appropriate locations;
prioritise asbestos management – encapsulate / repair, remove;
review and update register periodically and after any significant maintenance activity / disturbance;
make register / information available to building occupants, contractors etc
(b) An occupant of one of the offices engages a contractor to fit a hand dryer in a toilet which involves drilling through some asbestos insulating board.
Outline the steps that should be taken by the
contractor to carry out this work in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006. (8)
The contractor should:
review levels of competence for this task - provide training / information as necessary; consult
Asbestos Essentials (HSE website) before starting work; recognise this is non-licensed work;
restrict access to the area during the work - seal off area / lock doors / barriers / signs;
cover surface to be drilled with polythene sheeting taped in place;
use paste / foam at drill entry point to contain dust and / or use cowl vacuum device on drill / shadow vacuum;
use hand drill rather than power drill;
drill through paste / foam;
clean off paste with damp cloths; line / sleeve hole to prevent subsequent fibre release;
dispose of all waste as “asbestos waste” double bagged UN asbestos waste markings on outer;
clean area with Type H vacuum;
use appropriate PPE (eg FFP3 RPE; type 5 disposable overalls; no laces in
shoes);
(a) Identify published sources of information an employer could use to determine if carcinogens are being used in their workplace. (4)
(a) Carcinogen = substance that may cause cancer (R45 & R49);
carcinogens initiate uncontrolled cell
proliferation to form a tumour;
Mutagen = substance that may give rise to alterations in genetic material
that can then be transmitted to a subsequent generation. Sources of information:
Product label and
MSDS - risk phrases R45 May cause cancer;
COSHH Schedule 1 List of carcinogens & EH40 entry;
CHIP - criteria for self-classification;
Annex VI of CLP Regulation for classification as a carcinogen;
European Chemicals Agency lists / Substances of very high concern (SVHC);
Trade Association
reports - Chemical Industry Association;
HSE / WHO / ILO / HPA reports; scientific papers;
epidemiological studies / reports / data
(b) Outline the control measures that should be used when, because of the nature of the work, it is not possible to eliminate a carcinogen or substitute it with an alternative substance. (16)
COSHH 2002 reg 7and ACoP require exposure to carcinogens to be ALARP via hierarchy:
since elimination or substitution is not an option, control measures = reduce exposure ALARP via total enclosure and / or automation of process;
minimise quantities stored / used;
change of physical form (pellets instead of powder);
(partial enclosure / LEV);
secure storage;
labelling;
warning signs
displayed;
area demarcation / restricted access;
limit numbers exposed - non-essential personnel excluded;
air monitoring;
no eating / drinking / smoking / application of cosmetics;
provide hygiene facilities (+details);
training and information (+details);
arrangements for disposal of waste carcinogens - segregation, secure containers, collection by specialist (licensed) operator;
PPE / RPE - as a secondary measure in combination with the above;
[health surveillance - of limited value because of long latency periods and no “safe” level of exposure]
Stonemasons cutting and finishing limestone are exposed to limestone dust.
Limestone dust has
been assigned a Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) under the COSHH Regulations 2002.
(a) Give the meaning of ‘Workplace Exposure Limit’ (WEL). (3)
WEL = the maximum concentration of limestone dust averaged over an 8 hour reference period (8 hour Time-Weighted Average), to which employees may be exposed by inhalation The WEL for limestone dust is measured in mg/m3.
(EH40Total inhalable=10mg/m3; respirable=4 mg/m3)
For control of exposure to be adequate under the COSHH regulations, the principles of good practice set out in Schedule 2A should be applied and the WEL should not be exceeded
